Summer is officially here and the temps only continue to climb. As you use your HVAC system to keep cool, you’re likely wondering about ways to save on utility costs. Fortunately for you, we gathered several energy-saving tips for summertime.
And as always, if you ever need help with your HVAC system, we at The Appliance Doctor offer HVAC service, repair, and maintenance, contact us at 970.623.0152 and we’ll make sure your home is cool this summer! For all other appliance needs, contact us at 970.773.1000 or schedule an appointment online, we are here to help you.
Helpful Energy-Saving Tips For Summertime
Unplug Appliances and Turn Off Lights When Not In Use
When not in use, turn off and unplug appliances and lights. Why? Plugged-in appliances, even when turned off, will still draw energy. Also, turn off lights when not in use, as lights add heat and can cause your AC system to work harder.
Raise Your Thermostat
While it may sound counterintuitive, you’ll want to keep your thermostat as high as comfortably possible in the summer. Why? The lesser the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your energy costs will be. Ideally, you’ll want to set the thermostat at 78 degrees F. Keep the temperature lower when folks are at home, and when the house is unoccupied, keep the temperature higher than normal.
Wash Strategically
Washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers all produce a lot of heat when in use. To cut down on energy, use cold water to wash clothes and dishes when possible.
Use the Microwave to Cook Food
Using kitchen appliances can raise indoor temperatures by as much as 10 degrees. Whenever possible, skip using the oven and stove during the day, and use the microwave instead to heat food. If you ever have issues with your microwave, fridge, dishwasher, oven and/ or stove, call us at 970-773-1000, or visit our website to schedule an appointment.
Grill Outside
Fire up the grill and cook outside to avoid heating up your home.
Use LED Lights
The last thing you want to do is add more heat to your home. Unfortunately, incandescent bulbs do just that, in that they create more heat. Make the switch to LED bulbs, which are far more energy efficient and produce half as much heat. Plus, LED bulbs last longer than incandescent bulbs.
Use Curtains
Block out the sun during the day to prevent your residence from heating up. Use curtains or blinds to keep out sunshine, especially during the hottest part of the day, which is usually 12 pm–4 pm. If you still crave natural light during the day, block out the sun only on windows that receive direct sunlight, such as southern-facing windows.
Use Fans
AC systems use a lot of energy to run, so if your AC is on all day, expect higher energy bills. To save on costs, use fans to create air circulation inside your residence. If you have a ceiling fan, make sure the blades are rotating counterclockwise, so cool air is pushed down. During the winter, you can switch back to having the blades rotate clockwise to create an updraft of warm air.
Air Dry Clothes Outside
Skip the dryer altogether and air-dry clothes outside to minimize energy use. Given how hot and arid Western Colorado is, your clothes will dry in no time.
Have Your AC Unit or Swamp Cooler Checked
A cooling system that is running efficiently will not only keep you cooler but will save on energy costs as well. Give us a call, we service and repair all HVAC equipment, so you can rest assured your AC or swamp cooler runs as it should. We provide service in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, and surrounding areas. Whether it’s a maintenance check, starting up, or a replacement part, call us at 970-773-1000; click here for more info on HVAC repairs and services.
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